Christmas decoration buying guide

As soon as the Christmas holidays start approaching, homes everywhere make room for decorations. And these days, with a range of elegant ornaments to choose from, Christmas décor goes way beyond the traditional tree. From a hanging star here to a string of icicle lights there, the options are endless. Taking inspiration from the most celebrated Christmas tales, hoards of whimsical characters make their way into our living rooms, around fireplaces and even into little ones' bedrooms.

Gardens are no exception to tradition with the most dedicated among us putting on full Christmas displays. Lawns are adorned with elves and sleighs like a scene straight out of Santa's village while façades are embellished with glowing snowflakes. A single star swinging silently atop a spruce and the effect is complete. After all, the magic of Christmas is really in the details!

Here is a quick summary of some of the most popular accessories you can use to make your home sparkle this Christmas.

Real Christmas trees

It's entirely up to you to choose between a real and artificial Christmas tree. Real Christmas trees can be cut or sold in pots and come in various species including:

• Norway spruce: a traditional, budget option;

• Nordmann fir: for minimal needle loss;

• noble fir: for a classic Christmas scent;

• blue spruce: for something a bit different;

• Serbian spruce: a slender spruce with delicate branches.

Artificial Christmas trees

Artificial Christmas trees also come in a range of designs including:

• standard green plastic trees;

• flocked white Christmas trees;

• coloured trees in black, blue, red, etc.;

• light-up Christmas trees with built-in LED or fibre optic lights;

• pre-decorated trees with lights and baubles.

Of course fairy lights are traditionally used to embellish Christmas trees but they also look great hung around a doorway. Some of the most traditional types of fairy lights and garlands are as follows:

• classic Christmas garlands comprising a string of coloured matt or shiny ornaments;

• fairy lights with flashing or steady bulbs or LED lights;

• fibre optic fairly lights: a more contemporary option with the same features as classic fairy lights;

• 'Merry Christmas' garlands.

A Christmas tree must-have, baubles come in all colours and designs. Some of the most common options include:

• silver or gold traditional shiny baubles;

• coloured baubles covered with glitter;

• engraved glass or filled glass baubles;

• painted baubles with Christmas scenes.

No matter our age, we never stop being enchanted by glittering stars, the welcoming scent of pine cones or the twinkling eyes of round-bellied Santas. The years go by, but as soon as our roofs get a sprinkling of snow and our fireplaces start crackling, the magic of Christmas never fails to win us over... Here are just some of the other Christmas decorations you can take inspiration from:

• Christmas stars in gold or silver with glitter or LED lights;

• Santa, elf or reindeer ornaments;

• snowmen, penguin or angel ornaments;

• snow-covered Christmas villages and snow globes;

• Christmas wreaths and candles;

• Christmas stockings and candy canes;

• painted pine cones, lanterns, wrapped gifts and Christmas flowers;

• fake snow and stencils for window decorating.

Nativity sets traditionally represent Mary and Joseph alongside the three wise men who, having followed the Star of Bethlehem, are seen presenting gifts to the newborn Jesus.

While the scene itself isn't any different from depictions dating as far back as 1223, you can choose from a range of nativity sets, including:

• a traditional nativity set celebrating the birth of Jesus;

• a light-up nativity set with the figurines of your choice;

• a contemporary minimalist nativity set.

A wide range of Christmas characters can be lit up to help you capture the magic of the season. From little Christmas elves to giant snowmen or glittering stars, these Christmas decorations can be dotted around gardens to create an eye-catching fairytale-like spectacle. Among the most attractive decorations are:

• light-up Father Christmases on sleighs or ladders;

• light-up elves, penguins or reindeer;

• light-up moose or bears;

• giant light-up gifts;

• outdoor Christmas laser light projectors or floodlights;

• outdoor fairy lights with icicles or light-up 'Merry Christmas' messages;

• light-up stars or snowflakes.

These days, it's not uncommon to see giant blow-up festive characters and animals scattered alongside light-up decorations. These inflatable decorations can feature a built-in inflator pump and always go down a treat with children. Among the most popular options include:

• giant inflatable Santas with reindeer;

• inflatable snowmen;

• penguins or polar bears.

• Christmas tree buying guide

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• Outdoor Christmas decorations buying guide

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